Zengo

  • 4.1 star rating
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4.1 rating over 4 reviews

781 7th St NW ()

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 393-2929

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Tags: Downtown, Vegetarian, Mexican, Latin, Japanese, Delivery, Eclectic, Asian, Latin American, and Dim Sum
Stats:
  • 90 dishes entered by diners at Zengo
  • 2 users want to eat at Zengo
  • 2 users love Zengo
Tips:
  • Go during happy hour (in the bar and lounge between 5pm and 7:30pm, Monday through Saturday) for $5 Latin-Asian cocktails and small plates.

From OpenTable: 

Zengo, which translates to "give 'n take", merges flavors of Chef Richard Sandoval's heritage with his passion for Asian cuisine. This melding of flavors and cultures results in intriguing shareable dishes.

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Reviews for Zengo

Write a review
  • 4 reviews
  • First reviewed by MiriamM
Zengo

5.0
  • 5.0 star rating
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+5 2
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5 Votes
 

Excellent choice for fusion dining

Zengo is a relatively new addition to the Gallery Place area in downtown DC, and it has done very well, in large part to its delicious menu. It is one of my favorites in the city! The atmosphere is lively and exciting, the food fresh and innovative, and the service has always been fantastic.

The restaurant has two floors – the bottom floor is the lounge area geared toward the happy hour/appetizer-and-drink crowd. It is beautifully decorated with chic, comfortable furniture and candles. The upstairs is a more typical restaurant, with some VERY modern decorations – there are lots of random shapes hanging from the ceiling and the walls that look somewhat like potatoes, but trust me, it looks really cool! It can be hard to get a table, so reservations are highly recommended – weekends and event nights at the neighboring Verizon Center bring heavy crowds. However, if you arrive before 6pm, you should be fine.

The food is eclectic, with Japanese and Mexican flares. There is an entire vegetarian menu, and also a gluten-free one, so be sure to ask if you are interested.

The appetizers are moderately sized and shareable, and I would recommend getting a couple! There is a wide range, including crispy wonton tacos (with either meat or shiitake mushrooms), sushi, lettuce wraps with either shrimp or chicken, short ribs, and a variety of ceviches. Be warned – the food is expensive – so be prepared to spend quite a bit of money if you are looking for a full meal. It’s worth it, so start saving ;)

I highly recommend any of the sushi options (in particular, the Angry Zengo or Volcano Roll) or the lobster-crab pot-stickers (PHENOMENAL! Ask for extra dipping wasabi sauce, they don’t give nearly enough!) For those meat-eaters, my dad loves the short ribs and the kobe beef (really pricey, but I’m sure it’s good! Dad has good taste).

As a main course, the Crispy Tofu is by far my favorite – three thick rectangular pieces lightly fried, served over bok choy. You can’t go wrong with any of the fish options, such as the Wok Roasted Scallops and the Black Cod. Although…stick with the tofu :) Meat-eaters have many options as well, including Tandoori Chicken, Lamb, and Beef.

Leave room for dessert! Or don’t, and go crazy! The ginger ice cream is great, as are the sorbets. My favorite dessert is the chocolate-chai mousse, served with 4 warm churros. I’ve also tried the sesame cake, which was good but I wasn’t crazy about it – although, if that’s your thing, it won’t be a letdown!

Zengo is a really great dining experience. I really wish I could better explain just how interesting all the flavors are; all the dishes I’ve had have a distinct taste. Highly highly highly recommended!

(Random yet hopefully helpful side note: Zengo is one of Richard Sandoval’s many restaurants located throughout the US, and even Dubai and Mexico! Zengo has another location in Denver, although the menu is slightly different).

Dishes I tried:

Crispy Tofu

  • 5.0 star rating
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Can’t really put into words – I’ve never had anything like it before! Lightly fried, deliciously flavored, a very light but filling meal.

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Zengo

3.0
  • 3.0 star rating
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Better for drinks and appetizers than for...

Better for drinks and appetizers than for dinner. The entrees seem a bit overpriced, but I enjoyed the drinks and the small plates.

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May 19, 2010

  • 4 star rating
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Excellent Fusion Food in Gallery Place

I've probably passed by Zengo at Gallery Place Metro hundreds of times, but for whatever reason, never noticed it. Big mistake. I ate here randomly the other day and wished I had discovered it sooner. The service was friendly, attentive,…

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May 14, 2010

  • 3 star rating
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Pretty Good Fusion Cuisine

The whole fusion food scene can get played out at times but Zengo succeeds in keeping it chic with its decor and it's very affordable specials. I like their happy hour offerings: $5 cocktails and small plates from 5-7pm, even on…

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Zengo is located near the cities of Naval Anacost Annex, Washington D C, National Harbor, Georgetown, and Adams Morgan.
People found this by searching for: Zengo Menu Dc, Zengo Downtown, Zengo Dc Menu, Zengas On 7th Street, Zengo Dc Dinner Menu, Zengo's Restaurant Menu, Dc, Zengo Dc Happy Hour Menu, Zengo Gallery Place, and Zengo Gluten Free Menu.

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